- Over 600 people voted in a poll put to a local community Facebook page
- Blacksticks landed top spot, with The Waterside and La Turka following closely behind
- Monton has proven itself a popular dining location amongst locals, earning its nickname ‘Monton Carlo’
Blacksticks has been voted the number one Monton restaurant in an online poll, while praise for the high street’s wider dining scene continues to roll in.
608 people cast their votes in the December poll, which appeared in the Monton Chat Facebook page, a group over 2,500 strong.
Receiving 125 votes in total, Blacksticks took an early lead and went on to clinch top spot. Second place went to The Waterside with 117 votes, and La Turka claimed third with 87 votes.
Members of the group were keen to share their thoughts on Monton’s booming dining scene, with some pointing out that selecting just one restaurant was a difficult choice.
“I’m not sure there is one answer,” one commenter wrote. “I eat in all of them depending on what kind of food/experience I’m looking for.”
Another commented, “All really good depending on the time day or event!”
Charli Henning, who has lived just off Monton Road for 15 years, was particularly torn between Blacksticks and La Turka, but eventually voted for the latter, commending its food, service, and atmosphere.
“The food’s always amazing and they do belly dancing on a Friday and Saturday night with a singer.”
The frequent Monton diner did, however, praise Blacksticks for their ‘amazing’ Sunday dinner.
She added, “The dining scene in Monton is brilliant, most places are really good.”
The Salford suburb was dubbed ‘Monton Carlo’ in 2014 and has repeatedly been compared to Didsbury thanks to its thriving high street.
“It’s a nice little community where everyone helps each other and sticks together.”
Blacksticks manager, Lisa Doyle, attributed the restaurant’s popularity to the “quality of food and service” provided.
“We always aim to give everyone a great dining experience when they come,” she said.
The restaurant, which arrived in Monton fifteen years ago, was set up by owner and head chef John Doyle and his then-business partner, Matt Walsh.
“[John has] always had a passion for food,” Lisa said, “he’s worked for many restaurants before he took on his own place.”
“It’s actually a really good scene now in Monton, with all the little bars and pubs popped up,” she continued.
“It was a bit worrying at first whether it would take business off ourselves but I think it’s brought Monton to a bit more of a night out rather than just somewhere you come for something to eat now.
“It’s a really nice scene, loads of nice competition, it’s a nice little community where everyone helps each other and sticks together.”
While most seem to be enjoying Monton’s flourishing high street, there are some who harbour complaints for the increase in nightlife it has triggered.
Michael Tremblen, who has lived on Granville Street with his wife since 2015, enjoys eating and drinking in Monton, but feels the village takes on a ‘different vibe’ at weekends.
“There has been a big increase in antisocial behaviour in the time we have lived here, and I think because Monton is over subscribed with places to eat/drink for what is a relatively small residential area.
“In essence it has become a bit of a drinking destination at the weekends.”
Michael has been in touch with the council over the issue.
“There has been no consultation with the local residents over such moves which is frustrating as a lot of the residents were here long before some of these bars.”
Despite his complaints, Michael said, “I think the Wandering Palate & Playfoots have raised the bar, both are excellent establishments and a credit to Monton.”
The continuous development of Monton high street shows no sign of stopping, with a new Thai restaurant rumoured to be opening in 2022.
Monton Matters 